Wine Grape Cheat Sheets: Chardonnay

Well, the Bubbly Professor cannot believe she has not yet published a cheat sheet on Chardonnay…but these things do happen. In case you are a fan of wine grape cheat sheets, here’s the one you might have been waiting for…

The Soundbyte: Chardonnay may very well be the world’s most widely recognized grape variety. It was very likely the first wine you ever heard of, and what you will most likely be served if you order a glass of “white wine” at a cocktail party. The grape itself is quite neutral, but can be transformed via wine making magic into an oak-infused butter bomb, a crisp, citrus-and-mineral balancing act, or even a front porch-chugging box wine. There’s a lot to be said about the chameleon known as Chardonnay!

Typical Attributes of a Chardonnay-Based Wine:

Creamy, complex, high alcohol and lush flavors.

The fruity aromas wary widely depending on the climate.

The grape itself can be called “delicate” in aroma and flavors, but Chardonnay is very susceptible to the influence of wine making, and can be laden with aromas and flavors of oak, butter, cream, yeast, and vanilla, among others, through wine-making processes. Whether or not these are “good for the wine” is a matter of personal opinion and much debate.

Attributes of a European “Chablis Style” Chardonnay: Crisp, Medium-bodied, terroir-driven, fruity, and mineral

The Burgundy Region of France, especially the Côte de Beaune and Chablis

The Champagne Region of France

Other regions of France, such as Alsace (where it is only allowed to be used in sparkling wines) and the Languedoc-Roussillon

California, where it is grown in many diverse regions and produces a wide range of styles

Oregon, where it shines in both still wines and sparklers.

Australia, where it is a leading white wine grape

New Zealand, where it is the #2 white wine grape after Sauvignon Blanc

The cooler regions of Chile

Franciacorta and other regions in Italy

Canada, including Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia

And…almost anywhere wine is grown!

Food Affinities – Base Ingredients:

Seafood of all kinds

Crab Cakes, Lobster, Shrimp dripping with butter and garlic…

Chicken, Turkey, Game Hen, Duck

Roast Chicken…Roast Chicken…Roast Chicken

Veal, Pork…Beef. (About that beef…be careful with the preparation. As certainly as the heavier bodied white wines, including Chardonnay, can pair with beef, that does not mean that it is a good substitute for red wine in every case. Keep your dishes plain and simple, seasoned with herbs, mushrooms, or grilled onions. Unless you want to hurt someone, avoid Texas Chainsaw Barbeque Sauce and other condiments that are over-the-top rich and heavy in flavor, texture, sweetness, or spiciness. Trust meon this one.)

Food Affinities – Bridge Ingredients:

Corn, Pumpkin, Squash, Polenta

Tarragon, Basil, Thyme, Oregano and other fresh herbs

Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert (especially good with unoaked versions)